Epilogue
On Point
Sammy
Six years later …
“Good work,” Uncle Uri says as our sparring match comes to an end.
I come to the Briggs’s gym to spar at least four times a week. Many of us do. If you’re in the family, you’re required to. Although some don’t take it as seriously as I do.
“Thanks.”
I wipe my forearm across my forehead and step from the ring. Uncle Uri was relentless today. I didn’t want him to go easy on me.
I come to train. I need to be the best. Being the best requires being pushed to my limits.
Rolling my shoulders back, I then crack my neck from side to side, welcoming the pop and release the motion gives. Grabbing a towel, I begin to wipe the sweat away from my arms and bare chest.
“Hey, Sammy, are you coming out with us tonight?” Milanie calls from the bleachers.
“I don’t think so. Who all’s going?” I tug my shirt back on, ready to head home and shower.
“Jess, Meg, Daniel, Shauna, Peyton and James, Vita, and Tiff and Tracey,” she says.
“Nah, I have some things I need to do.”
That’s none of my friend group. I hang with my sisters sometimes, but I’m not in the mood. I’d rather hang in my apartment alone.
I go to grab my bag to leave, but Milanie comes down the stairs and stands beside me. I look down at her in her crop top and jeans. She looks around then lowers her voice.
“I can get Elijah a fake ID. He can come too if that will make you feel better.”
“That’s lying,” Elijah speaks up as he walks up and overhears.
I nod at my brother. He says it before I can. Elijah is only seventeen.
I’m not taking my little brother to a club. I’d rather he come to my place and hang out or stay at Mom and Dad’s with him.
“Is it your visions? Are they loud today? I’ve missed hanging out with you. Maybe I can skip and come to your place.”
I try not to sigh. Milanie knows I know who my wife will be. Well, sort of.
Sometimes I think she believes it might be her. It’s not and I don’t know how to tell her that I know that for sure without hurting her feelings. I know who her person is and if she would pay attention, she would see it too, but it’s not my place to tell who it is.
Everyone assumed I would have this great advantage because of my gift. What people don’t understand is the karma and consequences of the gift of sight. While I see a lot for others, there are things I can’t see for myself.
Things I need to navigate on my own that will shape the man I’m to become. Such as who my wife will be and the moment and circumstances that will cause me to show the world who I am.
As a man, I believe these limitations are to keep me grounded so I don’t take things that don’t belong to me or end up with a god complex. I respect that as much as I have always respected my gift. This has also kept me on my toes.
“Sorry, Milanie. Maybe next time,” I say and turn to leave.
“Why are you always trying to press him?”
I smile as I hear that soft, smaller voice. My little protector always keeps the girls in check. Too bad she’s too young for me.
If she weren’t, I would think she’s the one. Shaking my head, I make my way out of the Briggs’s gym and to my car. Pretty, funny, and someone I care about, but not mine.